Hiring a tutor can be an overwhelming experience, especially if
you have never done it before. The following five qualities are
the most important ones that you should look for when matching a
tutor with a child:
1) Their ability to "connect" with your child and you.
2) Their teaching style - does it match your child's learning
style?
3) Their ability to be patient and empathic when your child is
truly struggling.
4) Their reliability and dependability.
5) Their tutoring experience backed up by current references.
It is imperative that the tutor immediately makes a strong
connection with your child. The tutor should use part of the
first session getting to know your child by asking questions
about their likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. Setting
the rapport is important so future sessions run smoothly and
productively. The tutor should also be able to easily
communicate with you after the session and give you adequate
feedback regarding what he or she accomplished during the
session.
If your child is a visual learner, the tutor should bring
appropriate materials (a small white board, for example) so the
learning process compliments your child's learning style.
Conversely, an auditory learner would benefit from reading out
loud with the tutor or talking through math problems. A kinetic
learner will need the sessions to be very hands-on and
interactive.
There is nothing worse than a tutor giving up and getting angry
with a child when the going gets tough. Patience is definitely a
virtue and every tutor needs to posses this quality to put your
child at ease. An inpatient person will have the opposite
effect. Chances are good that your child will not want to be
cooperative in the future with anyone who can't relate to their
problems. The reason you hired a tutor was to find someone who
can repeat themselves numerous times if necessary or present
information in a different way until it "clicks" with your child.
A tutor who is constantly late or just doesn't show up without
calling should immediately be terminated.
Checking a tutor's references is imperative. Written references
should not be older than a year old and you should call the
author of the letter anyway, just to confirm they wrote it. The
best references are from individuals who have observed the tutor
teaching or tutoring. Other parents who have used the tutor are
the best references, but don't dismiss your gut feeling about
someone you are interviewing.
An extensive interview must be done to be sure you are selecting
only top-notch teachers and tutors. You will want to conduct a
thorough background and criminal check and call all of the
references provided.
Most importantly, a visit to every home to meet the family
before attempting to place a tutor is imperative. This
complimentary visit proves invaluable when making a "match" with
you child.
Bright Apple Tutoring Service, Inc. has been offering tutoring
services above requirements are met and that you get only the
best tutors. If you are looking for a tutor, or looking to start
a career in tutoring, contact Bright Apple Tutoring Service, at
http://www.hometutoringbusiness.com 1.888.847.0033
About the author:
Laurie Hurley, President, Bright Apple Tutoring Service, Home
Tutoring Business, http://www.hometutoringbusiness.com ,
http://brightappletutoring.com 1-888-847.0033 or
info@hometutoringbusiness.com Laurie is available for media
interviews, discussions on education and home-based business
opportunities such as starting a tutor referral business.
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